Jonathan G. is a “gamer” who lives in Los Angeles.
Like many gamers, he uses a headset when playing video games so that he can talk to people he is playing with.
Around midnight one evening, Jonathan was playing a game with his friends when he felt something hit him in the head.
“It felt like if you’re wearing a bike helmet and someone just smacks the top of your head,” he told local media.
It turns out that a stray bullet had hit Jonathan in the head.
But the Razer gaming headset he was wearing miraculously stopped the bullet.
Jonathan credits the headset with saving his life, and his family said it was a blessing that the headset helped him avoid a tragedy.
“It’s still a trigger for me to process the thought that I could’ve lost my son,” said Jonathan’s mother. “We were asleep and if it did hurt him, we would not have known until we woke up hours later.”
After the incident, Johnathan started yelling because he thought he had been shot.
“If it wasn’t for these (the headset) on my head, it probably would’ve gone through,” he said, “You can see the damage.”
The bullet ripped through the curtains and hit the window before landing on Jonathan’s bed.
Police responded to the family’s house but couldn’t find a shooter or an area where the bullet could have come from and believe the bullet was fired from a far distance.
There is no question the Razer gaming headset saved Jonathan’s life.
Now, I don’t know much about gaming headsets, but someone was looking out for Jonathan, and that gaming headset was there for a reason.
However, when it comes to headgear for an emergency, some people have ballistic helmets for personal protection.
A ballistic helmet is a type of headgear that can protect against bullets and shrapnel.
These helmets are often used by soldiers and police in high-risk situations.
Most of these helmets are made of Kevlar, a synthetic fiber, but depending on the specific helmet, it can be made with different composite materials.
And helmets can have different ratings based on the level of protection they provide.
In addition, some ballistics helmets come with visors, face shields, suspension systems, and accessory mounts for flashlights or night vision goggles.
So, if you’re thinking about adding a ballistic helmet to your kit, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Benefits of a ballistic helmet:
The primary benefit of a ballistic helmet is to protect the head against bullets and shrapnel.
If there is the risk of bullets or explosions a ballistic helmet can protect the head from trauma.
During a dangerous situation such as a riot, a helmet adds a layer of protection.
In addition, during a disaster or civil unrest, a helmet could protect against falls or flying debris.
Modern helmets are designed to be lightweight and to work with other gear such as night vision and radios.
So, your ballistic helmet can be combined with other gear to make it more effective and useful.
Cons of using a ballistic helmet during an emergency:
Even though new helmets are designed to be lightweight, they are still an additional piece of gear that you will have to carry around.
And helmets aren’t the most comfortable headwear to keep on for long periods.
Plus, a helmet can limit vision and restrict movement. So, if you are ducking or climbing it could be more of a hindrance.
Also, the higher rated the ballistic helmet is the more expensive it will be.
Meaning, it might not be cost effective to buy them for everyone in your family.
Now, if you are interested in a ballistic helmet, I would look at options from Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy.
Both companies make a variety of helmets that start around $500 and go up from there.
There is nothing wrong with having a helmet, but depending on your preparedness level, your money could be better spent on more critical survival gear.
